The Wood Stove

The fall remains mild as I start another fire in my woodstove. The stove is new to me, even after a year. I am thrilled to see the fire blaze up warming the room with the dancing fire. The glass front of the stove allows me to watch how the fire is doing and whether I need to add another log. It is a short walk to the woodpile behind my back door. I can carry 3 or 4 logs at a time onto the little stand that holds the wood. Although this stove primarily heats the back of the house, the temperature rises throughout. Soon I will fill the wood sheds standing on my porch. Then I'll be ready for the real cold of the winter to come, only walking out the porch door and bringing in the wood. I like adding this task to my life. Instead of creating more work, to a life that is already busy, it reminds me to slow down and enjoy the beautiful pleasure of heat and flickering fire.